Viridian Therapeutics Highlights Recent Progress and Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Viridian Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VRDN) reported progress and Q2 2024 financial results. Key highlights include:

1. THRIVE VRDN-001 phase 3 trial in active thyroid eye disease (TED) on track for September 2024 readout.

2. THRIVE-2 VRDN-001 phase 3 trial in chronic TED completed enrollment, exceeding target; readout expected year-end 2024.

3. REVEAL-1 and REVEAL-2 phase 3 trials for subcutaneous VRDN-003 in TED to start August 2024.

4. IND submission for VRDN-006 (FcRn inhibitor) planned by year-end 2024.

5. Cash position of $571.4 million as of June 30, 2024, providing runway into second half of 2026.

6. Q2 2024 net loss of $65.0 million, compared to $55.1 million in Q2 2023.

Positive

• THRIVE and THRIVE-2 phase 3 trials for VRDN-001 on track with topline readouts expected in September and year-end 2024
• THRIVE-2 trial exceeded enrollment target with 188 patients
• REVEAL-1 and REVEAL-2 phase 3 trials for VRDN-003 set to initiate in August 2024
• Strong cash position of $571.4 million, providing runway into second half of 2026
• IND submission for VRDN-006 on track for year-end 2024

Negative

• Net loss increased to $65.0 million in Q2 2024 from $55.1 million in Q2 2023
• R&D expenses increased to $56.2 million in Q2 2024 from $40.1 million in Q2 2023

Financial Analyst

Viridian Therapeutics' Q2 2024 results reveal a strong financial position with $571.4 million in cash and investments, providing runway into H2 2026. However, the net loss widened to $65.0 million from $55.1 million year-over-year, primarily due to increased R&D expenses ($56.2 million, up from $40.1 million). This reflects heavy investment in clinical trials, particularly for THRIVE and THRIVE-2. The 40% reduction in G&A expenses is a positive sign of cost management. With multiple phase 3 trials ongoing and potential BLA submissions in 2025-2026, Viridian's cash burn rate is likely to remain high, but appears manageable given the current cash position.

Medical Research Analyst

Viridian's pipeline progress is impressive, particularly in Thyroid Eye Disease (TED). The THRIVE-2 trial's overenrollment (188 vs 159 target) suggests strong patient demand and could enhance statistical power. Both THRIVE trials are on track for 2024 readouts, potentially positioning VRDN-001 for a 2025 BLA submission. The initiation of REVEAL-1 and REVEAL-2 for VRDN-003, a subcutaneous formulation, demonstrates pipeline depth. In the FcRn inhibitor space, VRDN-006 and VRDN-008 are progressing, with the latter's potential for deeper, more durable IgG suppression being particularly intriguing. This diversified late-stage pipeline in rare diseases could significantly de-risk Viridian's future revenue streams.

Market Research Analyst

Viridian's focus on rare diseases like TED positions it well in a high-value market segment. The potential for both IV (VRDN-001) and subcutaneous (VRDN-003) TED treatments could capture a broader patient base. The FcRn inhibitor portfolio further diversifies Viridian's potential market reach. However, competition in both spaces is intensifying. In TED, Horizon's Tepezza is already approved, while several companies are advancing FcRn inhibitors. Viridian's success will hinge on demonstrating superior efficacy, safety, or convenience in its clinical trials. The company's ability to execute multiple late-stage trials simultaneously is impressive and could accelerate time-to-market, potentially giving it a competitive edge in these evolving therapeutic areas.

- THRIVE VRDN-001 global phase 3 clinical trial in active thyroid eye disease (TED) remains on track for topline readout in September 2024 -

- THRIVE-2 VRDN-001 global phase 3 clinical trial in chronic TED topline readout expected year-end 2024; enrollment completed in July and exceeded its target -

- REVEAL-1 and REVEAL-2, global phase 3 clinical trials for subcutaneous VRDN-003 in patients with active and chronic TED, on track to initiate in August 2024 -

- Investigational New Drug (IND) submission for neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) inhibitor VRDN-006 planned by year-end 2024; non-human primate (NHP) data anticipated for half-life extended FcRn inhibitor VRDN-008 in the second half of 2024 -

- Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments of $571.4 million as of June 30, 2024; provides cash runway into the second half of 2026 -

WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Viridian Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: VRDN), a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing potential best-in-class medicines for serious and rare diseases, today reported recent business highlights and financial results for the second quarter ending June 30, 2024.

“Our team continues to execute across the board as shown by the progress we have made this quarter, and we are proud to report solid progress in our TED portfolio, with both VRDN-001 phase 3 trials, THRIVE and THRIVE-2, exceeding enrollment targets, and VRDN-003 trials, REVEAL-1 and REVEAL-2, planned to initiate this month,” said Steve Mahoney, Viridian President and Chief Executive Officer. “All timelines within our FcRn portfolio remain on track, and we anticipate submitting an IND for VRDN-006 by year-end, and reporting NHP data for VRDN-008 in the second half of the year. We look forward to delivering on these multiple key program milestones this year, beginning with our THRIVE readout next month.”

RECENT PROGRESS

Thyroid Eye Disease Portfolio

VRDN-001, an intravenously delivered anti-insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) antibody

• THRIVE-2 Completed and Exceeded Enrollment in July 2024: The THRIVE-2 global phase 3 clinical trial in patients with chronic TED completed enrollment in July 2024 with a total of 188 patients, exceeding its enrollment target of 159 patients due to patient demand. Approximately 40% of the enrolled patients were from the US.

• VRDN-001 Topline Data and BLA on Track: Both VRDN-001 global phase 3 clinical studies, THRIVE and THRIVE-2, are on track for topline data readouts in September and by year-end 2024, respectively. Viridian anticipates submitting a Biologics License Application (BLA) in the second half of 2025, pending data, and expects that its data package will support a marketing authorization application in Europe.

VRDN-003, a potential best-in-class, subcutaneous, half-life extended anti-IGF-1R antibody designed as a low-volume, infrequent, and self-administered subcutaneous injection

• REVEAL-1 and REVEAL-2 on Track to Initiate in August: REVEAL-1 and REVEAL-2 are randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled, global phase 3 clinical trials assessing the efficacy and safety of VRDN-003 in patients with active and chronic TED, respectively. In each study, Viridian plans to administer VRDN-003 subcutaneously every 4 weeks or every 8 weeks and assess outcomes versus placebo. The trials are designed to have a primary endpoint of proptosis responder rate, based on the achievement of at least 2 mm improvement in proptosis from baseline at week 24, and additional secondary outcome measures including changes from baseline in proptosis, clinical activity score (CAS), and diplopia.

• Topline Data and BLA in 2026: Viridian anticipates topline data for both REVEAL-1 and REVEAL-2 to be available in the first half of 2026 to enable a potential BLA submission by the end of 2026. The company plans to launch VRDN-003 with a commercially available auto-injector pen, if approved.

FcRn Inhibitor Portfolio

VRDN-006, a highly selective anti-FcRn Fc fragment designed to be a convenient subcutaneous and self-administered option for patients

• IND on Track for Year-End 2024: Viridian is on track to submit an IND application for VRDN-006 by year-end 2024.

VRDN-008, a half-life extended FcRn inhibitor designed to prolong IgG suppression and provide a potentially best-in-class subcutaneous option for patients

• NHP Data on Track for Second Half 2024: Viridian is on track to provide VRDN-008 non-human primate data, including PK and PD data, in the second half of 2024.

• Potential Best-in-Class Profile: As a half-life extended FcRn inhibitor, VRDN-008 has the potential to enable deeper and more durable suppression than existing therapies targeting FcRn.

FINANCIAL RESULTS

• Cash Position: Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments were $571.4 million as of June 30, 2024, compared with $613.2 million as of March 31, 2024. The company believes that its current cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments will be sufficient to fund its operations into the second half of 2026.

• R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $56.2 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared to $40.1 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2023. The increase in research and development expenses was driven by increased clinical trials costs associated with our ongoing THRIVE and THRIVE-2 clinical trials, as well as increased personnel costs to support our pipeline development.

• G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $16.1 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared to $19.3 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2023. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was driven by a decrease in personnel-related costs, primarily due to decreased share-based compensation expense in the current year.

• Net Loss: The company’s net loss was $65.0 million for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared with $55.1 million for the same period last year.

• Shares Outstanding: As of June 30, 2024, Viridian had approximately 83,944,478 shares of common stock outstanding on an as-converted basis, which included 63,879,675 shares of common stock and an aggregate of approximately 20,064,803 shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of 157,435 and 143,522 shares of Series A and Series B preferred stock, respectively.

About Viridian Therapeutics

Viridian is a biopharmaceutical company focused on engineering and developing potential best-in-class medicines for patients with serious and rare diseases. Viridian’s expertise in antibody discovery and protein engineering enables the development of differentiated therapeutic candidates for previously validated drug targets in commercially established disease areas.

Viridian is advancing multiple candidates in the clinic for the treatment of patients with thyroid eye disease (TED). The company is conducting a pivotal program for VRDN-001, including two global phase 3 clinical trials (THRIVE and THRIVE-2), to evaluate its efficacy and safety in patients with active and chronic TED. Viridian is also advancing VRDN-003 as a potential best-in-class subcutaneous therapy for the treatment of TED, including two planned global phase 3 clinical trials, REVEAL-1 and REVEAL-2, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of VRDN-003 in patients with active and chronic TED.

In addition to its TED portfolio, Viridian is advancing a novel portfolio of neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) inhibitors, including VRDN-006 and VRDN-008, which has the potential to be developed in multiple autoimmune diseases.

Viridian is based in Waltham, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit www.viridiantherapeutics.com. Follow Viridian on LinkedIn and X.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of words such as, but not limited to, “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “on track,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “design,” “should,” “target,” “will,” or “would” or other similar terms or expressions that concern our expectations, plans and intentions. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based on our current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding: preclinical and clinical development of Viridian’s product candidates VRDN-001, VRDN-003, VRDN-006 and VRDN-008; anticipated start dates of studies, including the initiation date of the REVEAL-1 and REVEAL-2, global phase 3 clinical trials for VRDN-003; milestones; timelines; anticipated data results and timing of their disclosure, including topline results; regulatory interactions and anticipated timing of regulatory submissions, including the anticipated IND submission for VRDN-006 and the anticipated BLA submission for VRDN-001; Viridian’s expectation that its data package will support a BLA submission for VRDN-001 in the second half of 2025, pending data; Viridian’s expectation that its data package will support a marketing authorization application in Europe for VRDN-001; clinical trial designs, including the REVEAL-1 and REVEAL-2, global phase 3 clinical trials for VRDN-003; Viridian’s plans to launch VRDN-003 with a commercially available auto-injector pen, if approved; the potential utility, efficacy, potency, safety, clinical benefits, clinical response, convenience and number of indications of VRDN-001, VRDN-003, VRDN-006 and VRDN-008; Viridian’s product candidates potentially being best-in-class; and that Viridian’s cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments will be sufficient to fund its operations into the second half of 2026.

New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties. No representations or warranties (expressed or implied) are made about the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of material risks and uncertainties including but not limited to: potential utility, efficacy, potency, safety, clinical benefits, clinical response and convenience of Viridian’s product candidates; that results or data from completed or ongoing clinical trials may not be representative of the results of ongoing or future clinical trials; that preliminary data may not be representative of final data; the timing, progress and plans for our ongoing or future research, preclinical and clinical development programs; changes to trial protocols for ongoing or new clinical trials, including adjustments that we may make to the VRDN-003 clinical trial designs as a result of the VRDN-001 data; expectations and changes regarding the timing for regulatory filings; regulatory interactions expectations and changes regarding the timing for enrollment and data; uncertainty and potential delays related to clinical drug development; the duration and impact of regulatory delays in our clinical programs; the timing of and our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approvals for our therapeutic candidates; manufacturing risks; competition from other therapies or products; estimates of market size; other matters that could affect the sufficiency of existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments to fund operations; our financial position and projected cash runway; our future operating results and financial performance; Viridian’s intellectual property position; the timing of preclinical and clinical trial activities and reporting results from same; and those risks set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in our most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on August 8, 2024 and other subsequent disclosure documents filed with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it was made. Neither the company, nor its affiliates, advisors, or representatives, undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the company’s views as of any date subsequent to the date hereof.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)
	Three Months Ended June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
Revenue:
Collaboration Revenue - related party	$	72			$	72			$	144			$	170
Total revenue		72				72				144				170
Operating Expenses:
Research and development		56,193				40,083				97,136				90,823
General and administrative		16,066				19,264				31,091				41,095
Total operating expenses		72,259				59,347				128,227				131,918
Loss from operations		(72,187	)			(59,275	)			(128,083	)			(131,748	)
Other income
Interest and other income		7,791				4,378				15,732				8,865
Interest and other expense		(597	)			(166	)			(1,184	)			(331	)
Net loss		(64,993	)			(55,063	)			(113,535	)			(123,214	)
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments		(176	)			1				(881	)			217
Comprehensive loss	$	(65,169	)		$	(55,062	)		$	(114,416	)		$	(122,997	)
Net loss	$	(64,993	)		$	(55,063	)		$	(113,535	)		$	(123,214	)
Net loss per share, basic and diluted	$	(1.02	)		$	(1.27	)		$	(1.82	)		$	(2.88	)
Weighted-average shares used to compute basic and diluted loss per share		63,854,514				43,253,457				62,476,777				42,753,476

Viridian Therapeutics, Inc.
Selected Financial Information
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(amounts in thousands)
(unaudited)
	June 30,			December 31,
		2024			2023
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	$	571,366		$	477,370
Other assets		14,297			13,054
Total assets	$	585,663		$	490,424
Total liabilities		56,325			48,402
Total stockholders’ equity		529,338			442,022
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	585,663		$	490,424

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240805076289/en/

Louisa Stone, 617-272-4604

Manager, Investor Relations

IR@viridiantherapeutics.com

Source: Viridian Therapeutics, Inc.

FAQ

When is the THRIVE VRDN-001 phase 3 trial readout expected for Viridian Therapeutics (VRDN)?

The THRIVE VRDN-001 phase 3 trial readout for active thyroid eye disease is expected in September 2024.

What is Viridian Therapeutics' (VRDN) cash position as of June 30, 2024?

Viridian Therapeutics reported a cash position of $571.4 million as of June 30, 2024, providing a runway into the second half of 2026.

When will the REVEAL-1 and REVEAL-2 trials for VRDN-003 begin?

The REVEAL-1 and REVEAL-2 global phase 3 clinical trials for subcutaneous VRDN-003 are set to initiate in August 2024.

What was Viridian Therapeutics' (VRDN) net loss for Q2 2024?

Viridian Therapeutics reported a net loss of $65.0 million for the second quarter of 2024.